OB inground pool, no spa or water features, just a pool with 2 LED lights, Salt, cartridge filter, etc..... I'll be doing the electrical myself, and I'm looking for input on sub panels. Anyone have one that you would recommend?
I just installed a panel to my new pool pad.
Picked up an outdoor panel (Eaton 125 amp), $25
Ran 6guage wires ($260) off a double pole 60 amp ($15) breaker in house main panel
One stipulation, if you want to be 'to code' you need to run the individual THHN wires and the ground needs to be insulated (all wires in conduit). Alternatively you can get the UF 'romex' type cable that is rated for outdoors, but the ground isn't insulated so you won't be 'to code'. The UF romex does not require conduit, but still should be 24" minimum deep.
DW, I am going to "Pick Nits" here a little. You should have used THWN wire as it is rated for wet applications as THHN is not. Any wire outside of a structure is considered a wet location even inside conduit. However, Most THHN is also dual rated as THWN too. It will be marked as such if it is.
THWN stands for "Thermoplastic Heat and Water-resistant Nylon-coated
THHN stands for "Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated
Good choice on the panel. However, over 6 breakers in the box and you need to have a disconnect breaker in the box as well (6 throw rule)
However, over 6 breakers in the box and you need to have a disconnect breaker in the box as well (6 throw rule)
That code section refers to disconnect for the SERVICE, not a panel. In other words, to disconnect the entire service, there cant be more than 6 throws of a breaker. So your main panel has to have a single disconnect. The subanel could have 40 breakers, but there's only one disconnect, and thats the ONE breaker in the main that feeds the subpanel.
Of course you can get an inspector thats stupid and makes you have a main throw in a subpanel. If it is their requirement they have be able to show you where it is at in their rules. Not just because that's "not allowed in my town."
As far as THHN vs THWN wire. Most of the wire sold on roles that you buy by the foot at the big box stores are rated for both. Just make sure and check when you buy it.